The United States has called on Azerbaijan to release several activists, journalists, and government critics recently detained in what it describes as a growing crackdown on civil society and free speech. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement on Wednesday, naming individuals whose arrests have sparked international concern, including human rights advocate Rufat Safarov, journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi, and political scientist Azer Gasimli.
Escalating Concerns Over Human Rights
In his statement, Blinken expressed deep concern about the detentions and condemned what he described as Azerbaijan’s increasing restrictions on media and civil society. He called for the immediate release of those arrested for their work in defending human rights and advocating for governmental accountability.
“The United States is deeply concerned not only by these detentions, but by the increasing crackdown on civil society and media in Azerbaijan,” Blinken said.
This comes as oil-rich Azerbaijan faces growing scrutiny from Western nations over its human rights record. The South Caucasus nation recently hosted the U.N. climate summit, presenting itself as a progressive leader, but its response to criticism has been less accommodating. Azerbaijani authorities have dismissed Western concerns, accusing diplomats of interfering in the country’s judiciary.
High-Profile Arrests Under Scrutiny
Among those detained is Rufat Safarov, a former prosecutor and founder of the rights group Defense Line. Safarov is being held on allegations of fraud and hooliganism, charges he denies. Safarov previously served a three-year prison sentence for bribery before being pardoned in 2019 by President Ilham Aliyev.
Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of Abzas Media, is also in pre-trial detention. Vagifgizi’s outlet has reported extensively on alleged corruption and misuse of public funds by Azerbaijani officials. She was detained in November 2023 and remains in custody pending trial.
Political scientist and government critic Azer Gasimli was detained this week and faces charges of extortion, allegations his lawyer claims are unfounded.
Adding to the controversy, six journalists from the Berlin-based independent media outlet Meydan TV were ordered into pre-trial detention on Sunday, accused of foreign currency smuggling. Lawyers for the journalists assert their innocence, arguing that the charges are retaliation for critical reporting on Azerbaijani authorities.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
These arrests follow a troubling pattern in Azerbaijan, where similar accusations have been leveled against other journalists and human rights advocates in recent years. Independent media and activists often face intimidation, and international watchdogs have consistently ranked Azerbaijan poorly for press freedom and human rights.
Western governments, including the United States, have urged Azerbaijan to respect international norms and allow space for dissenting voices. However, the Aliyev administration has defended its actions, portraying them as necessary measures to maintain order and combat corruption.
